David Cameron also sent Tim Peake a good luck message, saying Major Peake was "doing us proud" and everyone in Britain would be watching his mission with "admiration and wonder".

Standing in front of a poster declaring "Science is Great", Mr Cameron said: "Tim, I know you have been dreaming of this day for a long time, and we will be with you every step of the way, watching with admiration and wonder.

"So on behalf of everyone in Britain, let me wish you the very best of luck. You are doing us proud."